Times OOH: Transforming Mumbai metro stations along Line 1 & 3 into brand powerhouses

Mumbai is a hotpot of ambition, where brands burn bright, each vying for that spark of visibility. For the big guns looking to make their mark, the city’s expansive and ever-growing metro network promises a lasting impression.

Mumbai Metro offers a platform for brands to build a standalone presence amongst daily commuters. In particular, exclusive station branding opportunities allow companies to create a distinct presence, targeting lacs of commuters daily. Concurrently, Times OOH brings this vision to life by transforming stations into dynamic brand touchpoints, seamlessly connecting advertisers with their audiences.

What makes this approach so powerful is its versatility. Through innovative display and engagement options, station branding provides innovative solutions for major brands, to engage with a diverse and captive audience. Not only does it guarantee unparalleled visibility, but it also offers a range of advertising options, that ensure long-term recall. By transforming stations into branded spaces, companies aim to enhance their reach while maintaining the visual appeal of the branded transport hubs.

Brands can utilise various segments of the station, such as outdoor displays, AFC gates, staircases, escalators, elevators, route maps, glass railings, and even audio announcements on trains. Additionally, brand events, kiosks, and sampling at the station allow direct engagement with prospective customers, helping to forge deeper connections and benefiting brands with long-term impact. This strategic placement is exactly what makes metro stations ideal for modern advertising.

Mumbai Metro Line 1 (Blue Line), connecting Versova to Ghatkopar, has been open for the public since June 8, 2014. This metro line currently features 12 stations, five of which have an exclusive branding partner. The details are as follows:

1. D.N. Nagar - Vivo

2. Andheri - LIC

3. Chakala - IndusInd Bank

4. Marol Naka - TECNO

5. Ghatkopar - HDFC SKY

Recently, HDFC SKY, India’s leading all-in-one investment platform, acquired the semi-naming rights for Ghatkopar Metro Station. Pertaining to it, now the station is referred to as Ghatkopar HDFC SKY Station. As part of this initiative, the brand has successfully used Static Ads, Ambient Sponsorships, and Interactive Kiosks to build its presence.

With a daily ridership of approximately 1.2 lakh, HDFC SKY has successfully capitalised on Ghatkopar’s strategic location with the help of clever advertising solutions by Times OOH.

In July 2024, Times OOH secured an advertising mandate for Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line). This mandate grants exclusive semi-naming rights across 27 stations, starting from Cuffe Parade to Aarey.

Therefore with the launch of Metro Line 3 Phase 1 on October 5, 2024, Kotak Mahindra Group, one of India’s leading banking and financial services companies, was awarded branding rights for the BKC Terminal until 2028. As part of this agreement, the station’s name has officially been changed to “Kotak Bandra-Kurla Complex Station”, cementing the brand’s presence in Mumbai's metro landscape.

In a city like Mumbai, where visibility and consumer engagement are key to a brand’s success, Metro Lines 1 and 3, offer an unmatched platform for advertising. The integration of innovative branding strategies, ranging from static ads to interactive kiosks, further strengthens a brand’s connection with commuters. 

In essence, Mumbai Metro is more than just a transport system; it is a dynamic advertising ecosystem powered by Times OOH!